How To Cure a Yeast Infection

In this blog post, I’m going to give the answer to a VERY important question – How To Cure a Yeast Infection!

So, let’s get started with some baskc info first. Yeast is a type of fungus that lives in the vagina at all times.

The growth of this fungus is kept in check by a certain type of good bacteria known as Lactobacillus. When the growth of yeast goes out of control, it causes severe itching, redness and burning.

Often, a thick, white, odorless substance is discharged from the vagina. Unfortunately, for some women (5%), yeast infections (also known as candidiasis) can be a chronic problem and tends to occur at least 4 times annually.

Below are some of the most widespread and the not-so-widespread cures for yeast infections:

1) Flucazone (Diflucan): Flucazone is an orally ingested antifungal. Studies have shown that women who took Flucazone weekly for half a year managed to lower the rate of recurrence of infections by as much as 90%; while 43% of the women were considered to be completely cured.

2) OTC antifungal creams: The application of these creams is a bit messy when compared to an oral antifungal. Common examples of OTC creams are clotrimazole, butoconazole, tioconazole etc. Some of these creams contain an applicator in their package – this facilitates measuring out the right dose.

Please read the instructions carefully before applying any OTC cream:

Some topical creams are meant for application to the vulva (the externally visible parts of the female genitals); these typically help in relieving itchiness.

Other antifungal creams need to be applied inside the vagina and these actually help in curing the infection.

OTC creams (such as Monistat 7) are usually applied at night before sleeping; it might not be practical to apply these creams during the daytime as sometimes they can sometimes leak out of the vagina.

Please Note: If you are using an antifungal cream inside the vagina, then you should abstain from sex even if you are using a birth control diaphragm or your partner is wearing a condom. The cream may damage the diaphragm or the latex of the condom.

3) Tea Tree Oil:Several studies have confirmed that tea tree oil acts as an antiseptic and an antifungal. The common practice dousing a tampon with tea tree oil and inserting it into the vagina – preferably at night.

However, this causes some women to experience irritation. If you feel any discomfort, then discontinue this form of treatment immediately – either use OTC pills or creams or schedule a visit to your doctor.

4) Note that many women confuse yeast infections with bacterial vaginosis. This is because the symptoms are more or less similar for both.

The line of treatment varies radically – antibiotics are required to cure bacterial vaginosis; these antibiotics can actually exacerbate a yeast infection as they not only kill bad bacteria but also the good ones that are responsible for controlling the growth of yeast inside the vagina.

Home screening kits are available for accurate diagnosis. Vaginal swabs and other OTC tests can help in determining the pH levels and confirming a certain type of infection.

7) An Italian study indicates that eating natural yogurt on a regular basis can aid in preventing and curing yeast infections. Another school of thought recommends limiting sugar intake as excessive ingestion of sugar promotes the growth of fungi.

See a doctor ASAP if your symptoms show no sign of improvement or if there are other complications such as pregnancy, antibiotic medications, hormonal imbalances and diabetes.